The alert was given at 3:40 pm this Wednesday in Sarcelles, in Val-d’Oise. A 1 year old baby was taken care of by the firefighters, called in an emergency in an apartment.
The child had just ingested sniper, a highly toxic insecticide, prohibited for sale in France since 2013, but still present in many homes. Examined on the spot, he was hospitalized in relative emergency. His days are not in danger, but his case is cold in the back.
Sniper: an insecticide prohibited but still used
The product in question, Sniper, is regularly talked about in emergency services. Despite its ban in France, it continues to circulate via purchases abroad or on the Internet. Based on very concentrated chemicals, the sniper is designed to quickly eliminate cockroaches, bedbugs or mosquitoes. But its domestic use is extremely dangerous, especially in the presence of children.
It is not the first time that a young child has been hospitalized because of this product. And yet, no magnitude campaign has been relaunched in recent years to alert its real risks. However, barely a few drops may be enough to cause serious symptoms in a toddler.
Why children are the first victims of these products
“”Insecticides against bedbugs contain, in the majority of cases, Pyrethrinoids such as deltamethrin or permethrin. Some rarer products may also contain neonicotinoids, often more toxic “ explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical. “”Products like sniper contain formidable active substances, which can cause nausea, tremors, respiratory disorders or even convulsions in less than an hour, depending on the amount ingested ”
In addition, in a baby, dangerousness is multiplied. “”An exhibition, even weak, can cause disturbing signs within thirty minutes to four hours after ingestion “.
In the most extreme cases, some products can cause severe neurological involvement, even heart problems. Hence the importance of immediate management.
How to avoid this kind of accident at home?
This news item recalls a fundamental principle: any toxic product must be treated as an immediate danger for children, even if it is hidden in a closet or used out of their presence. Dr. Kierzek insists: “These products must always be stored in height, in a closed wardrobe, never under the sink or within reach of small hands. And we never transfer them to another bottle: the danger label must always remain visible. ”
It strongly advises against the domestic use of powerful insecticides. “”During a treatment, insecticide is never sprayed near a child or in the areas he could touch. And you have to ventilate the part at least 48 hours after use “.
Finally, less risky alternatives exist, like diatom’s land, for example. Or the use of qualified professionals. “”But above all, in the event of doubt or exhibition, only one reflex: immediately call 15, 18, 112 or an anti -anti -“center” he concludes.